Friday, January 11, 2013

Ready~ set ~ go~als!

Most certainly we will subscribe to eating healthier and exercising more because we can. That is easy to say now that all the delicious Christmas cookies are a thing of the past.

We thoroughly enjoyed your cards, photos and letters. Thank you all for understanding our new Christmas card concept which comes to you through this compilation of photos recorded in a December Daily Journal.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me

a wreath from a cemetarrrry!

True story:

The Worcester Wreath Company donates individual wreaths to Arlington National Cemetary.
It is a beautiful reminder of the fallen.

What a privilege to display fresh evergreen in the desert.

Of the many traditions that Rick experienced as a child, the nativity scene was his favorite. I am not exactly sure why it took us until this year to buy one for our home. This beautiful Willow Tree collection can grow as time goes on.

Edibles were prepared in canning jars early in the month and once frozen they could be baked and gifted as needed. Decorating the jars was as much fun as making the pies.

Some years ago we made some bar soaps so this was not our first rodeo. I highly recommend having good chemistry with your melting partner because this stuff is HOT!

Additions this year

Year 16: Santa Teresa design featured a Dutch inspired two sided ceramic flower

Washington DC - Taft Commemorative Vacation Ornament

New; special 'sisters' ornament which was a gift from my secret sister in Canada. When we finally meet there will be so much talk. A photo of the reunion awaits!

Welcome home (yes, Tucson will always be home) Ryan. No momma could be prouder!

Hey Santa!

Luck of the draw was witnessed IRL on Christmas day as Rick was gifted a winning
$ 500 lottery ticket.
Yes ~ it got loud!

Speaking of lucky...I am one lucky momma...Chelsea and I went to the 36th annual sing in of Handels Messiah. This is positively the closest that I will ever get to being in a choir. Imagine an entire sanctuary is the choir sectioned into tenor, alto, soprano, etc. Now imagine standing in the middle as though you are part of the choir whilst pretending to sing!

Each short winter day was capped off with a hot chocolate, a warm fire and a memorable Hallmark Christmas movie, my favorite of which was 'Will you Dance' - so we did - The Waltz. We are still practicing (hubs had it down from the beginning) but I remain positive.

Our New Years Day Sabino Canyon tradition lived on as we were joined by our daughter and son in law. Our grandchildren love being outside so it was a perfect combination of family and fete.

I
know I'm living fully when I don't want the day to end. When I
have to be put

to bed like a petulant child. I cannot get enough of this life.We wish you a Happy New Year filled with health and prosperity!